Zinc Oxide

1Identification

Name

Zinc Oxide

IUPAC name

zinc oxygen(2-)

CAS number

1314-13-2

Molecular formula

OZn

Molecular weight

81.4 g/mol

InChIKey

RNWHGQJWIACOKP-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

[O-2].[Zn+2]

PubChem CID

3007857

Synonyms

CI 77947, Lassar's Paste, Oxide, Zinc, Paste, Lassar's, aloevella, calahist, dabur, diaper, multipurpose, bareMinerals, Boudreauxs, Dynashield, Naturopathica, Nutrascreen

Recommended uses

• Used in pigments, rubber, and electronic devices; Zinc oxide is produced when zinc is heated to its boiling point (907 degrees C); [ACGIH] Nanoparticle applications include sunscreen and fungicide for personal care products, UV nanolasers, biocide in food packaging, additive to rubber and ceramics for abrasion resistance, and additive to automobiles, furniture, and fabrics to protect from sun damage; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Steel Producing [Category: Industry] Metal Preparation and Pouring [Category: Foundry] Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Battery Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry] Using Disinfectants or Biocides [Category: Clean] Gas Welding and Cutting [Category: Weld] Welding Over Coatings [Category: Weld]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Jewelry making [Category: Hobbies]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Tanning agents not otherwise specified Processing aids not otherwise specified Deodorizer pH regulating agent Plating agent Chemical reaction regulator Polymerization promoter Conductive agent Foamant Lubricating agent Other Binder Heat stabilizer Intermediate Hardener Solids separation (precipitating) agent, not otherwise specified Pigment Adhesion/cohesion promoter Adsorbent Softener and conditioner Surface modifier Fixing agent (mordant) Elasticizer Absorbent Corrosion inhibitor Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Filler Catalyst Ion exchange agent Soil amendments (fertilizers) Anti-stain agent Sealant (barrier)
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Fixing agent (mordant) Soil amendments (fertilizers) Anti-stain agent Corrosion inhibitor Filler Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Catalyst Pigment Chelating agent Intermediate Adsorbent Foamant Dispersing agent Conductive agent Other Binder Lubricating agent Alloys Processing aids not otherwise specified Chemical reaction regulator pH regulating agent Antioxidant
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Animal Drugs -> FDA Approved Animal Drug Products (Green Book) -> Active Ingredients · Fragrance Ingredients · Cosmetics -> Cosmetic colorant; Skin protecting; Bulking; Uv absorber · Plastics -> Antistatic

Description

• Crude zinc oxide is a yellow-gray granular solid with no odor. It is insoluble in water. The primary hazard is the threat posed to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. Prolonged inhalation of the dust may result in metal fume fever with symptoms of chills, fever, muscular pain, nausea and vomiting.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound used in a number of manufacturing processes. It can be found in rubbers, plastics, ceramics, glass, cement, lubricants, paints, ointments, adhesives, sealants, pigments, foods, batteries, ferrites, fire retardants, and first-aid tapes. It occurs naturally as the mineral zincite, but most zinc oxide is produced synthetically. It is also widely used to treat a variety of other skin conditions, in products such as baby powder and barrier creams to treat diaper rashes, calamine cream, anti-dandruff shampoos, and antiseptic ointments.
  DrugBank
• Sunscreen is a photoprotective topical substance for the skin that helps protect the skin against harmful UV radiation from the sun.
  NCI Thesaurus (NCIt)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Zinc oxide: Exposure Routes: Inhalation Symptoms: Metal fume fever: chills, muscle ache, nausea, fever, dry throat, cough; lassitude (weakness, exhaustion); metallic taste; headache; blurred vision; low back pain; vomiting; malaise (vague feeling of discomfort); chest tightness; dyspnea (breathing difficulty), rales, decreased pulmonary function Target Organs: Respiratory system (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported in a charged state. Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Not combustible.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Causes metal fume fever; [Rom, p. 404-6] See Zinc.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Zinc oxide: Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• (General first aid procedures) Breathing: Respiratory support
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Fumes: Metallic taste. Headache. Fever. Chest tightness. Shortness of breath. Weakness. Muscle pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• No acute symptoms expected.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Special protective equipment for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• In case of fire in the surroundings: use appropriate extinguishing media.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Zinc/zinc oxides
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Accidental release measures: Personal precautions: Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust. Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Store in airtight containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Conditions for safe storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Keep in a dry place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Store between 15 deg and 30 °C (59 deg and 86 °F).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Zinc oxide: Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body. Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection. Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift). Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Respirator Recommendations: Up to 50 mg/cu m: [Table#5035]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respirator Recommendations: Up to 125 mg/cu m: [Table#5036]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Respirator Recommendations: Up to 250 mg/cu m: [Table#5037]
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 50 mg/m3 : (APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters. (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator Up to 125 mg/m3 : (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter. Up to 250 mg/m3 : (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• ZINC OXIDE is insoluble in water. What little solubility it has yields aqueous solutions that are neutral in pH. Intimate mixtures of zinc oxide and chlorinated rubber with or without hydrocarbons or chlorinated solvent react violently, even explosively upon heating [Chem. Trade J., 1962, 151, 672]. Slow addition of zinc oxide to cover the surface of linseed oil varnish caused generation of heat and ignition, [Chem. Trade J., 1933, 92, 278].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Slowly decomposed (hydrolyzed) in water. Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Slow addition of zinc white (a voluminous oxide containing much air) to cover the surface of linseed oil varnish caused generation of heat and ignition. Lithopone, a denser (air-free) grade of oxide did not cause heating.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Oxides of ... zinc can react explosively with magnesium when heated.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Intimate mixtures of chlorinated rubber and zinc oxide ... with or without hydrocarbon or chlorinated solvents, react violently or explosively when heated at about 216 °C. If in milling such mixtures local overheating occurs, a risk of a violent reaction exists. Such risks can be minimized by controlling milling temperatures, by cooling, or by using a mixture of maximum possible fluidity. /Chlorinated rubber: metal oxides or hydroxides/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• respiratory system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• May cause mechanical irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract. The fume is irritating to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Ultrafiltration; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Continuous flow, pilot scale; Type of Wastewater Used: Industrial wastewater; Results of Study: 0.38 ppm effluent concentration. /Zinc/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Miscellaneous sorbents; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Literature review; Type of Wastewater Used: Unknown; Results of Study: Final concentration reduced to 0.1 ppb; SiO2 + CaO slags used. /Zinc/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

DOT label

• Class 9
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 9; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 1516 143
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• ... Substances for which a Federal Register notice has been published that included consideration of the serious health effects, including cancer, from ambient air exposure to the substance. Zinc oxide (52 FR 32597, August 1987) is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of zinc oxide are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a coating agent in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of zinc oxide are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used as a solid diluent, carrier in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Zinc and compounds/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations identifies currently marketed prescription drug products, including zinc oxide, approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 3007857 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.